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| Current self :) |
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| 40+ lbs ago |
12 weeks ago, I embarked on a weight loss journey. Nothing new for me, actually the story of my life. I decided that enough was enough and it was time to try one more time to lose weight, get fit and become healthier. With the help of the Austin Diagnostic Clinic (ADC) and the HMR program, I started my journey. I had two program choices: Decision free -- Meal replacements only or Healthy solutions - meal replacements and at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables. I chose decision free because it allows you to lose weight faster and it drastically reduces your food options making it easier to stick to the plan. The program also requires you to burn at least 2000 PA calories per week. This is accomplished by any activity that makes you move and use energy. I usually fast walk/jog in the treadmill, do YMCA group classes like body pump and dance. I bought myself a Polar watch to get an accurate count on my calories and keep better track of my activity. I have consistently reached at least 2000 calories in calories burned every week. I can tell that in the weeks when I do more physical activity (PA), my weight drops more. I drink at least 2 liters of water per day, 3 if I exercise to ensure my body gets plenty of fluids. At the beginning of the program, my cholesterol was 230, my blood pressure was 120/80, and my pulse was 80 beats per minute. Now, 12 weeks later, my cholesterol is 175, my blood pressure has been 110/60 and my heart rate has been in the 60's. My weight loss so far is 38 lbs and I have lost 21 inches off my body. 7 of those inches came from my waist which has helped reduce my cardiovascular risk. For women, a waist circumference over 35 inches is considered to be at high-risk for cardiovascular disease. Any waist measurement reduction is a plus. I plan to lose another 12 pounds before I move on to healthy solutions and begin incorporating fruits and vegetables into my diet. From there, I would need to lose another 40 lbs to get to my goal. Since I have been here before, what is different this time you ask? Before I used to think it was impossible to lose the weight. I thought that regardless of how hard I tried, I could only lose a few pounds. Thinking this way left me sad and discouraged. After being in the HMR program, I have learned that this is not true. By eating healthy and exercising, it is not impossible to reach my goal. Great thanks go to Kimberly and the rest of the HRM (health risk management) clinic at ADC. Without their guidance and support, I would have not been able to get this far. Here is to a continuation of this journey. This is not a short term solution, it is a change of mind set and lifestyle for long therm success. I finally get it... I will finally get where I want to go.
